The Dark Side of Fate

Deliberating

~Liam~

As I stared down at my plate, I made an effort to soothe Alex’s agitation. Falling sick was a rare occurrence for me, so I doubted if that was the cause of my unease. I glanced over at Justin, who seemed engrossed in conversation with his wolf. Much to my dismay, Josephine occupied the seat across from me next to Justin. Without hesitation, Elaine settled beside Oliver, and their mutual gaze revealed a connection between them.

I could only hope that when the ladies reached the age of eighteen, they wouldn’t face heartbreak upon realising they were not destined for one another but rather for someone else entirely.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard Josephine calling my name. I looked at her, my mouth dry and my heart racing. I couldn’t comprehend why Alex was behaving this way. Clenching my napkin tightly on the table, I fought against an overwhelming wave of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. Only I understood the intensity of what I was feeling in that moment.

“Congratulations,” Josephine exclaimed, and I furrowed my brow, puzzled as to why she was congratulating me. My mind was muddled, struggling to think clearly.

“You graduated?” she clarified, and I nodded, feeling foolish for not realising sooner. Why hadn’t I put the pieces together? Why was Alex acting strangely? I attempted to compose myself.

“Thank you,” I managed to reply, but as she turned her attention to Justin, I sensed a fit of jealousy that made me wish she wouldn’t. I fought back a growl, desperate to maintain control. The situation felt unbearable, and the urge to leave welled up within me. However, drawing unnecessary attention to myself was not a viable option.

I fought the urge to let out a growl as I observed Josephine gently touching Justin’s hand. Why was Alex losing control? I had no idea what was triggering his behaviour. Josephine’s brother, Luis, took a seat beside me, where Marvin should have been, but he was too busy getting cosy with Layla.

“What’s up?” Luis asked me with a smile, and I nodded, though my eyes remained fixated on Josephine for reasons unknown to me.

“When did you guys arrive?” I finally managed to ask Luis, forcing myself to look at him, anything to divert my attention from Josephine.

“About forty-three minutes ago. My father was held up in a meeting regarding something related to your girlfriend’s father. So we couldn’t leave Gad on time,” he explained, instantly piquing my interest.

“Why were they discussing Mike Maguire in Gad?” I inquired, and Luis shrugged.

“I don’t know, but my father intends to assign one of us to work closely with Justin to investigate the incident in Grizlo. Your father requested it, mentioning something about keeping it within our circle. They’ll discuss it with you. Anyway, I’m excited. The three of us scored exceptionally well in that department and are eager to put our skills to good use. Hopefully, they choose me,” he said, and I nodded, feeling inadequate.

It was disheartening when juniors caught up with you, but that was the Stepanovs for you—they were prodigies who had earned double promotions as a result. I had completely forgotten that they had graduated a few months before us. Suddenly, I felt selfish for my own shortcomings.

“Congratulations, by the way,” Luis said to me, and I nodded in acknowledgement.

“You too,” I replied, returning the sentiment, and a smile crossed his face, indicating that my words meant a lot to him.

my attention to Josephine, I realised that I

I said, catching her gaze with

offered, and she responded with

think you would remember,” she said playfully, summing up our brief exchange before redirecting her

presence. Not once did she spare me a glance, and that bothered me. Moreover, I couldn’t shake off the scent of dill that seemed to surround her. I contemplated asking her if she was using something related

living room to continue the festivities and spend time together. Our parents

Josephine moved closer to me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she wanted. Her presence was driving my wolf to the brink

she greeted me, and I looked at her, offering a

heard about Sophia; sorry to hear that. I know you two were close,” she said, and I nodded

silent, seemingly taken aback by my response. I hadn’t meant to sound curt, but the truth was, I was on edge, and

mean it that way. Of course, I know you

said sincerely, and she smiled at me as if she hadn’t expected my apology. She nodded,

Sophia,” I heard Alex’s voice echoing in my mind. He was attempting to communicate with Josephine and not me, and I was grateful that I alone

everything we can to ensure she is found,” she said, patting me on the shoulder and preparing to walk away. In that moment, I reached out and held her

at me with surprise, then glanced at our joined hands as I stood rooted to the spot while the others continued ahead. I didn’t want to let go. Touching her hand felt inexplicably right, and

if I were in a trance, unable to snap out of it no matter how hard I tried. Managing to find my

dill?” I blurted out, and she frowned,

you feeling all right, Li?” she inquired, concern evident in her

not answer or look in her direction. I had to move swiftly, desperate to avoid doing something I would

Liam!” Josephine called after me, but I refused to acknowledge her. I had to keep moving, afraid that any moment longer would result in a complete loss

happening to us now,” I whispered to my wolf, my mind filled with chaotic

and it has,” my wolf

protested, desperately searching for any

but she isn’t related to us by blood, Li,” he countered, his voice filled with a sombre acceptance. Yet, even with that knowledge, I couldn’t shake off the overwhelming emotions flooding over

grown up together, with only a year and a few months separating us. Why had fate chosen

we should embrace

behaviour. And her sense of